Following the example of Asia’s evening markets, Richmond will be offering its array of curried fish balls, Korean barbeque, Easter shish kabobs and more on summer nights. Saturdays 7pm to midnight and Sundays 7pm to 11pm, stroll the market stands for delicious nosh. A perfect way to spend a summer evening. Find your way to 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond.

Sustaining the local economy is even more important this summer and visitors and residents at Sun Peaks Resort will once again be supporting local farmers, ranchers and artisans. The award winning Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market is returning for a 4th season and will be set up in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village every Sunday from 10am to 2pm  all summer.

Lovers of Old World food and wine, unite!  Your passion for rustic Italian cuisine is satisfied this summer at Hart House’s Italian Garden Party.  Held on Wednesday, July 22 2009, the evening offers guests a feast for the senses with sumptuous food, outstanding Italian wines, and authentic live music. Hart House’s annual Italian Garden Party starts in the estate’s elegant gardens with a casual tasting of wines selected from premium Italian regions by our Sommelier. Guests may then purchase the featured wines from the tasting to pair with the al fresco buffet dinner that follows. $45 per person. Click here for more information.

Vista 18 invites you to listen to the jazzy sounds of Lust Life while sipping Island and British Columbia sparkling wines and enjoying a three-course brunch featuring Eggs Benedict and our fabulous city vistas!  Executive Chef Garrett Schack has created a menu that will tantalize your taste buds while complimenting the celebratory flavours of Morningstar Creek, Zanatta Winery, Salt Spring Vineyards and Sumac Ridge sparkling wines. Sunday July 19.

Swirl, sniff, sip and savour in support of Woodwynn Farms 

Victoria’s first annual Taste festival opens on July 16 with The Main Event, an evening devoted to BC wines and Island cuisine.  More than 150 BC wines will be featured and paired with delicious nibbles from Vancouver Island’s top chefs. Meet the characters from the kitchens and vineyards while you swirl, sniff, sip and savour to the tunes of jazz vocalist Emily Braden and the funky vibe of Greenlaw.  

Taste Festival’s The Main Event is from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, July 16, at the Victoria Conference Centre’s Crystal Garden, Douglas Street, Victoria.  A limited number of $75 Early-Bird Tickets are available.  Contact the McPherson Box Office, 250-386-6121 or www.rmts.bc.ca , or visit the festival website at www.VictoriaTaste.com. As of July 1, tickets are $100 and available through the same outlets.

Learn Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture with Cooper Mountain Vineyards 

This intensive two hour session entitled “Organic & Biodynamic Viticulture: A Practical Guide” lead by Montinore Estate’s Rudy Marchesi, features winemaker Gilles de Domingo of Cooper Mountain Vineyards and Kevin Chambers of Oregon Vineyard Supply. The course is from 10 a.m. to noon July 25 at Montinore Estate. As part of this Vinology Professional Series the session includes vineyard walks, instruction in the preparation of biodynamic compost materials and hands-on instruction and is sponsored by the North Willamette Vintners. For more information, click here.

www.coopermountainwine.com  |  Twitter: @CooperMtnWines

Natalie King, Director of Food & Beverage at The Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa sends us this recommendation:

"This is an absolutely superb example of BC Pinot Noir. It is a deeply coloured wine with an intense nose of cherry & spice. It is so silky smooth in the mouth, with satisfying and rich berry flavours and an oaky spiciness. So well balanced and nice long finish to savour. Although tough to find (I think it is only available in fine restaurants in BC), it is worth the hunt to enjoy it with a great meal. Our service team loves selling it; although it is a bit pricey, customers are always impressed and very satisfied with the recommendation."

Tristan Gill from Mattick's Farm VQA shares this current favourite with EAT readers:

"From Kelowna's St. Hubertus and Oak Bay Vineyards, this effervescent rose is truly Summer in a glass. Light berry notes combine with a subtle sparkle to create the ultimate patio wine. This versatile wine can be served chilled on its own or as an aperitif. Furthermore it will make the perfect compliment for grilled halibut or salmon and a mixed green salad. This unique wine is a fabulous value at under $16."

Rich Massey from the Galiano Inn sends us this pick:

“My choice for wine of the week hails from a small gravity flow winery in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.

As our restaurant is a showcase for local products from small farms it’s only natural to pair with wines made from fruit grown under the same climatic conditions. The Averill Creek 2006 Pinot Noir is a testament to the powerful illustrations of how local wine not only compliments but also enhances the taste of regional food.

I love this pinot as it shows much more than just typical cherry fruit; it speaks terroir straight from its delicious soul. A rich hue to the eyes complemented with an appealing velvety texture on the palate. Expect a food friendly seam of acidity with minerality and earthy aspects highlighted by generous amounts of leather and cedar embraced with soft smoke and hints of tobacco.

Pair with lamb or poultry but this vino truly shines with grilled salmon on a warm cedar plank.”

This pick comes from Colleen Kennaird at The Local Liquor Store on Salt Spring Island:

“This is a fabulous Pinot Gris, lightly golden in colour, has lively peach and pear flavours with a crisp finish. Always consistent, never disappointing from year to year. Great value for the superior wine in the bottle. I love it all year round. Great to always have a bottle in my fridge.” CSPC# 536227

The barbeque friendly weather has carnivores everywhere rejoicing. What’s tastier than a succulent piece of grilled red meat? Devouring it al fresco with a delicious bottle of wine. You can count on Italy for interesting finds at a great price. From the region of Marche, De Angelis’ Rosso Piceno blends Montepulciano with Sangiovese. Slightly earthy yet packed with fruit, this juicy red will wash down whatever meat hits your grill.

$14.99 (BC CSPC #632141)